Results 7,241-7,260 of 19,445 for speaker:Brian Cowen

Programme for Government. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Déanfaidh mé mo dhícheall.

Programme for Government. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: As the Deputy noted, clearly areas such as legislative change or issues which do not entail large costs can and should be progressed. I agree with that. Two issues arise in regard to the question of prioritising capital investment programmes. We must concentrate on areas which give rise to social needs or economic returns. Our scarce resources must be concentrated on work that is...

Programme for Government. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Tá a fhios ag an Teachta go bhfuil an ghéarchéim eacnamaíochta atá againn faoi láthair chomh tromchúiseach sin nach mbeimid in ann an córas cánach a bhí againn go dtí seo a fheabhsú mar a bhí muid in ann staid an ghnáthphobail a fheabhsú gach bliain le deich mbliain anuas. Ní féidir linn sin a dhéanamh as seo amach. Beidh athruithe ag teacht ó thaobh an córas cánach de....

Programme for Government. (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: At the outset, the Government made a commitment to social partners and carer representative groups that a national carers' strategy would not just be a paper exercise. The current economic situation has made it impossible to consider introducing any developments in services for carers at this time, beyond what we have been able to provide in recent years. There have been significant...

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: It is proposed to take No. 9a, motion re Northern Ireland; and No. 3, Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2009 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall be interrupted on the conclusion of Private Members' business which shall be No. 49, motion re unemployment...

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: I will answer the Deputy's earlier question. To have the budget on 7 April will facilitate a debate during that week and it will be reverted to subsequently on our return. As regards the question of whether financial resolutions are required, they will be passed in the normal way if that is necessary. The question of a Finance Bill can be dealt with on our return in the normal way.

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: Regarding the first matter raised, the Minister for Finance will take up any requirements that the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement will have for any of its legislative responsibilities and take them forward as quickly as possible. The Director of Corporate Enforcement has the right to apply to the House for the appointment of an inspector, if he feels it is necessary. That...

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: No legislation is promised for the authority and there is no confusion about it either.

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: We are waiting for the below-cost selling proposal to come back from the European Commission which is still examining it. The sale of alcohol Bill will be published in the middle of this year. No date has been set for the animal welfare Bill.

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: This trend of sheep being out all night does not need be addressed.

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The Adoption Bill is being taken in the Seanad today. We will have to await its consideration of the Bill. We are waiting to accommodate the Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which will be taken when there is time. The Whips can indicate when it will be possible to take it.

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: No date has been set for the Bill's publication.

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The transposition of that directive is in the final stages of preparation. There is much legislation in place already to deal with this issue.

Order of Business (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The criminal justice (amendment) Bill will be introduced later in the year. I am not in a position to comment on the specific project to which the Deputy refers.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: With regard to what the Governor of the Central Bank had to say, he and many others have been revising not only national forecasts but international forecasts. Last week we also saw this in the European Commission. It is important to acknowledge that the situation creates a very serious challenge for this economy, as it does elsewhere. It is particularly the case for Ireland and we intend...

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——the budget itself. We would welcome any possibility for debate or discussion in the House between now and then in a structured way that would assist the Opposition if it so wishes to contribute to an integrated packet of measures that will be necessary——

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: ——in terms of the fiscal and budgetary situations. The Government reserves its right and duty to make the decisions.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: If the Opposition has views it wishes to express or if the spokespersons want to interact with the Minister for Finance in a way that is consistent with this approach, we have no problem doing it.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The best way to proceed is to have a pre-budget debate that will enable the Minister for Finance to come into the House and explain the range of possibilities available.

Leaders' Questions (11 Mar 2009)

Brian Cowen: The one thing we can all say is that the decisions that must be taken will be difficult. There are no easy options here. In fact, we have seen a deterioration taking place as the year has progressed, which has mirrored what is happening in the international economy. Whatever about people's ideas on reforms of budgetary processes for the future, a supplementary budget must be brought into...